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November 30, 2018, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter

AOPA
VOL 20, ISSUE 48 November 30, 2018
Click here for this week's custom content.
Top Stories
AOPA
Advocacy
AOPA interested in Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge
With aircraft capable of door-to-door service just over the horizon, AOPA has expressed interest in participating in a NASA effort to shape the future of urban aviation. (Image courtesy of NASA/Lillian Gipson.) Read more >
AOPA Live This Week
Saluting Veterans Airlift Command; Pole to pole around the world
A new documentary honors the Veterans Airlift Command, and one pilot prepares to fly around the world via the poles. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Nov. 29 >
Technique and Safety
Article
PilotWorkshops introduces 'VFR Mastery' series
An installment of PilotWorkshops' new VFR Mastery series of online, scenario-based workshops sharpens your decision-making skills by helping a Beechcraft V35 Bonanza pilot get his family home safely. Read more >
Video
Mayday, mayday, mayday!
A pilot recounts an in-flight emergency with a full load of passengers above Denali National Park in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Real Pilot Story. Watch the video >
Online resource
Going on instruments
The AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Procedures Safety Spotlight offers a wealth of resources to help you hone your instrument flying skills. Learn more >
Login required
Skiing in the sun
Looking to fly somewhere new for some powder time? Sun Valley, Idaho, may be the answer, but make sure you're up to speed on its instrument approach procedures. This AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz can help. Take the quiz >
Pilot Protection Services
709 rides
The FAA often responds to accidents and incidents by requesting a reexamination known as a "709 ride." Here's what you need to know if you are required to take one. Read more >
Advocacy
Advocacy
Less isn't more for GPS and flight safety
The more the civil aviation system becomes tied to GPS-based navigation, the more national security requires "degrading" GPS signals to prepare the military to meet new threats. Read more >
Advocacy
FAA grants two-year extension for life-limited cylinders
The FAA has granted operators of aircraft with certain Superior Air Parts cylinders installed on Continental engines another two years before they must replace the cylinders under the provisions of a current airworthiness directive. Read more >
Health
Online resource
Here's to your gut health
The decadent foods we feast on during the holidays can wreak havoc on anyone's digestive system. However, those who have been diagnosed with certain gastrointestinal disorders will need to provide some extra documentation to their aviation medical examiner. Learn more >
Technology
Article
uAvionix gets skyBeacon STC
uAvionix has received FAA approval to install its skyBeacon wingtip-mounted Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out hardware with integral position light and strobe on certified aircraft. Read more >
Article
FAA notes flight display 'blanking' concern
Certain Aspen Avionics primary flight displays and multifunction displays could go blank in flight. Read more >
Opinion
Blog
A love affair with an underpowered airplane
Opinion Leaders blogger Leighan Falley's PA–22/20 "spicy bush plane" tackles the Alaska Range. Read more >
Gear
Slideshow
Camping with the family
When it comes to camping with your airplane and your family, packing equipment that can do more than one job is essential. Read more >
Travel
Slideshow
Flightworthy winter light festivals for the family
Holiday light festivals hosted by cities, resorts, theme parks, and zoos offer fun activities for the family. Here are some light festivals and displays worth flying to. Read more >
Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our free AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.
Financial
Article
Airframes Alaska buys Alaska Tent and Tarp
Airframes Alaska is becoming a one-stop manufacturer when it comes to equipping pilots and their aircraft for backcountry flying. Read more >
Member benefit
Tips for finding your dream airplane
These three sources can help you find the airplane you've been dreaming of owning. Read more >
Member benefit
Fly more, save more
Good news: The best thing you can do to improve your insurance rate is to fly more! Read more >
News and Notes
Article
Zen Pilot to spread message of unity
Adventurer Robert DeLaurentis plans to depart mid-January to set the world record for speed and distance over the poles in a highly modified Twin Commander 900. Read more >
Article
National Aviation Hall of Fame names 2019 honorees
Three heroes of aerospace and military aviation, and three names intimately intertwined with general aviation through the years, will be enshrined as the National Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Read more >
Article
Aviation writer Jack Elliott has died
Jack Elliott Schapiro, a journalist and pilot who told general aviation's "colorful and exciting" story, died Nov. 20 at the age of 94. Read more >
Article
FAA issues alert on check valve flaw in some Cessna Caravans
The FAA has alerted operators of some Cessna 208B Caravan single-engine turboprops of several instances of oil-system check valve failures and has recommended precautionary actions to take while the issue is investigated. Read more >
Collier Trophy nomination period opens
The National Aeronautic Association will accept nominations for the Robert J. Collier Trophy from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31, 2019. The annual award honors "the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America."
You Can Fly
Flying club mentorship can spur growth
Want to start a flying club but not sure how? Find a flying club near you and seek opportunities to get mentored. Read more >
Last chance for free shipping on 'Freedom to Fly'
From the editors of AOPA Pilot and Flight Training comes Freedom to Fly: AOPA and the History of General Aviation in America. Get free shipping when you order by Dec. 5. Order now >
Career Opportunities
Aviation job board
Job of the week: CFI/co-pilot, Lyddon Aero Center
Lyddon Aero Center in Liberal, Kansas, seeks a flight instructor and co-pilot for its busy Part 135 operation. Responsibilities include teaching students and co-piloting three Beechjet 400A aircraft as well as several turboprop aircraft. Read the full description and apply today >
AOPA career opportunities
Join the AOPA team
Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a development marketing and communications manager, digital marketing coordinator, Air Safety Institute video producer, scholarship program manager, marketing customer acquisitions director, development operations director, curriculum development director, aviation finance sales manager/senior account executive, publications senior director, regulatory affairs director, and aviation finance account executive. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >
Question of the Week
Question

I've always heard that if you have an electric trim runaway, the best thing to do is to pull the circuit breaker. I'm not sure this is the best plan of action for every situation. Where can I get some guidance?
Answer
The FAA recently published a Safety Alert for Operators on this topic. It covers essential skills, emphasizes the importance of knowing the aircraft's systems, and directs pilots to follow immediate action items and checklists during malfunctions and emergencies.

This question and answer were provided by AOPA's Pilot Information Center. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.
Education & Seminars
Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Dec. 1-2 Orlando, Florida; and Denver, Colorado
Jan. 5-6 Bellevue, Washington; and Costa Mesa, California
Jan. 12-13 Charlotte, North Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; Portland, Oregon; and San Antonio, Texas
Jan. 19-20 Alcoa, Tennessee; Romulus, Michigan; and Santa Clara, California
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.
Safety Seminars
Jan. 14 Reno, Nevada; and Houston, Texas
Jan. 15 McClellan, California; and Houston, Texas
Jan. 16 Milpitas, California; and San Antonio, Texas
Jan. 17 Austin, Texas
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
Rusty Pilots Seminars
Dec. 1 Bartow, Florida; Chesapeake, Virginia; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Homestead, Florida; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dec. 8 Scottsdale, Arizona; Brewton, Alabama; Frederick, Maryland; Topeka, Kansas; San Diego, California; and College Station, Texas
Dec. 15 Englewood, Colorado; and Rome, Georgia
Jan. 5 Stevensville, Maryland
AOPA Rusty Pilots seminars are sponsored by Sporty's. For a complete schedule, visit the AOPA Hangar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.)
Aviation Calendar
Want something to do this weekend? Planning an aviation getaway? See AOPA's enhanced calendar of events. You can filter events, add an event, or search all events in the calendar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to search the events or to add an event.) Before you take off on an adventure, make sure you check our current aviation weather provided by Jeppesen.
For airport details, including FBO fuel prices, see AOPA Airports. AOPA does not endorse or assume responsibility for the events submitted and listed in the calendar.
AOPA
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ePilot Editors:
Alyssa J. Cobb
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis

Production Team:
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Kristy O'Malley
Melissa Whitehouse
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Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker
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